Bristlesworm Question!!

[overboard]

Can bristleworms become detrimental to Clams when they get big enough? I just lost another Crocea in my tank, when I was taking it out of the tank, I notice a bristleworm about 12"+ in length reeling itself back up into the rocks. I have tried a coralife trap'em bristleworm trap with no luck. Any Suggestions?

 

[EmilyB]

The bristleworm common in reef tanks is of no threat to a healthy clam.

Do not be surprised to see them under the clam, cleaning away dead tissue and debris.

They will not attack a healthy clam, but will certainly move in on an ailing one, as will other tank inhabitants.

 

[liquid]

For more information on bristleworms, please see the following url's:

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen12.html

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/
(click on Invertebrates)

hth

Shane

 

[Anonymous]

Bristle worms tend to be like maggots. They are usually seen eat the dead or decaying matter. If your clam gets injured, I wouldn't be suprised if the worm only eats the dead tissue.